Abstract: An improved graphical user interface for displaying and selecting video programs, such as video on demand, includes a video on demand server coupled to a communication medium. A plurality of settop box receivers are coupled to the communication medium for receiving digitized programming in the form of movies and the like from the video on demand server. The settop box includes a central processing unit (CPU) coupled to a memory and other electronic modules. The CPU generates and displays the present invention's graphical user interface on the subscriber's television. The graphical user interface is based upon a metaphor in which a world of spaces are organized as part of a studio back lot through which a user may navigate. The back lot includes a Poster wall which presents to the user a series of movie posters representing available selections.

Abstract: User interfaces are distributed between a host computer 10 and an intelligent terminal 12 for communication over a telecommunications network 14 requiring minimum bandwidth. Host user interfaces 18 resident in the host computer 10 are distributed as terminal user interface objects 32 to the terminal 12. Terminal user interface objects 32 are directly manipulated on the terminal 12 and communicated on a filtered basis to the host computer 10 by a terminal port controller 34. Messages from the terminal 12 are directed by a host dispatcher 26 to host user interfaces which communicate with the host processor 16. Output messages from the host are routed through host and terminal port controllers 20 and 34, a terminal dispatcher 40 to terminal user interface objects 32.

Abstract: A graphical user interface for displaying and selecting video programs, such as video on demand, includes a video on demand server coupled to a communication medium. A plurality of settop box receivers are coupled to the communication medium for receiving digitized programming in the form of movies and the like from the video on demand server. The settop box includes a central processing unit (CPU) coupled to a memory and other electronic modules. The CPU generates and displays the graphical user interface on the subscriber's television. The graphical user interface is based upon a metaphor in which a world of spaces are organized as part of a studio back lot through which a user may navigate. The back lot includes a Poster wall which presents to the user a series of movie posters representing available selections.